Passports?

I would like to know if, when travelling hostels will ask to keep our passports at any time during our stay. Obviously i dont want to let my passport out of my site and dont want to leave it with the reception of any hostel.

Do hostels etc want us to do this and if so will they just accept a photocopy??

I don't give up my passport for anything (with the exception of train conductor or police of course). I'd rather find another place to stay than do that.I've only been asked once for my passport...but they gave me the option of paying a key deposit so I took that instead.

I can't think of a place that asked to keep my passport. They would often take it and photocopy it, or copy down the details in a book. Often they would just have me put the details on the registration form.

I tend to always carry my passport with me when travelling, which some people don't do. I'd rather have my identification with me then back in my hotel.